Aker BP taps Eidesvik for management of platform supplier duo

July 1, 2020, by Bojan Lepic

Norwegian oil and gas company Aker BP has awarded Eidesvik Offshore a ship management agreement for two platform supply vessels (PSVs) in operation on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

Eidesvik said on Wednesday that the vessels in question, the NS Orla and NS Frayja, would be operated by the company. The contract will start on 1 October 2020.

According to Norwegian shipowner, the contract is firm for three years with extension options following the end of the deal. The vessels will be operated from Eidesvik’s office at Bømlo.

Both vessels were built in 2014 for BP Shipping. BP sold the vessels in 2017 to Ocean Yield for a total consideration of $105.4 million. The commercial controller of the vessels is Golden Energy Offshore.

The NS Orla and NS Frayja are under 15-year bareboat charters with Aker BP which started from delivery. The charters are expected to be completed in July and September 2029, respectively. Data provided by VesselsValue indicates that both vessels are working under $17,253 per day deals.

Eidesvik added that battery hybrid solutions were installed onboard the vessels in 2019. The company claims that hybrid solutions resulted in more fuel-efficient operations, and contributed to a more environmentally friendly operation of vessels on the NCS.

Jan Fredrik Meling, CEO and president of Eidesvik, said: “Eidesvik has been awarded the contract in competition with other suppliers, and we are very pleased with the confidence Aker BP is showing us.

“The award of the ship management for two modern vessels with hybrid solutions, in addition to our vessels in operation, will contribute to further development of Eidesvik’s top competence and experience of operation of environmentally friendly tonnage“.

Gunn-Elin Hellegaard, VP for logistics and marine in Aker BP, added: “The change of ship manager for these vessels is part of a long-term strategy, where we have chosen our strategic partners for the delivery of supply vessel services.

“We have great confidence in Eidesvik and that they will actively work to optimize the operation of the vessels as part of our common long-term initiative to redefine the supply chain by increased cost efficiency and sustainable solutions“.